The English Language Arts Program

The goal of the English Language Arts program is to provide instruction for all learners on how to reason and use language purposefully as they comprehend and convey meaning in the successful pursuit of a high school diploma. The curriculum provides students with experiences that will allow them to develop, practice, and polish their reading, writing, and thinking skills. Objectives of the various courses are developed to meet MCAS requirements and the curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts ELA Curriculum Frameworks.

Students will be provided with instruction and experiences that will enable them to apply and demonstrate the acquisition of skills in the following areas:
- Selecting vocabulary from various sources and demonstrating understanding through written and oral presentations
- Composing written assignments using standard English grammar conventions
- Analyzing literature including fiction, non-fiction, technical essays and poetry
- Evaluating literature based on themes
- Writing for a variety of audiences and purposes
- Comparing and contrasting elements, conventions and techniques of various media as a resource for various tasks

English Language Arts Program Courses

LY100 HONORS ENGLISH 9 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 9
Ninth grade honors level is designed to meet the comprehensive needs of college bound students who have maintained the highest level of academic achievement during the middle school years. Students will be required to read widely and to think intelligently and critically. The successful student loves to read, does not consider reading to be a chore, and has a high level of reading comprehension. S/he is willing to present ideas orally and in writing. Papers of up to one thousand words in length may be assigned. Reading, writing, speaking and listening form the core of this curriculum. The student should expect to have demands placed on his/her time, talent, and ability.
Prerequisite: A average in subject area from middle school, and proficiency demonstrated on a language skills diagnostic test and teacher recommendation.

LY101/*LY068 ENGLISH 9 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 9
This course focuses on the development of essential English Language Arts skills. Parts of speech, sentence structure, and word usage and vocabulary development are emphasized as a means of better communication. Paragraph and essay development in response to literature and open response prompts are emphasized. The literacy elements of theme, plot, setting, and characterization are covered through short story and novel study. Analysis of a variety of genres emphasizes the development of students’ reading, response, and analysis skills.
*LY068 - In this course, modifications to the above curriculum are made as dictated by students’ Individual Education Plans.

LY110 HONORS ENGLISH 10 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 10
Tenth grade honors level students will be required to read a variety of genres and to write long and often. Library and literary research projects, class discussion, oral presentation, and student-centered learning activity form the core of this curriculum. While grammar and vocabulary are included, emphasis will be on reading and writing. Students should expect to finish an independent reading assignment about every six weeks, in addition to doing regular course work.
Prerequisite: B+ or better average in subject area from previous year and teacher recommendation.

LY111/*LY069 ENGLISH 10 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 10
This course emphasizes the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to build students’ proficiency in the ELA standards. Grammar and vocabulary are reinforced through reading and writing. The elements of literature, strategies for responses and making connections between current information and past exposure are covered through the use of classic and contemporary literature. The types of literature include novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Essay development in response to literature and open response prompts is emphasized.
*LY069 - In this course, modifications to the above curriculum are made as dictated by students’ Individual Education Plans.

LY119 HONORS ENGLISH 11 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 11
This course is designed for students with demonstrated ability to perform and achieve at high levels. Emphasis is placed on the study of American literature with particular attention given to major philosophical concepts and literary techniques. Library and literacy research are required.
Prerequisite: B+ or better average in English 10 and teacher recommendation

LY121/*LY070 ENGLISH 11 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 11
This course emphasizes clear and concise written expression. Students study the mechanics of writing with the goal of composing and organizing a five paragraph essay. Literature studies examine theme, characterization and plot development with emphasis on American literature.
Learning research skills will be an important part of the writing program and student-centered learning activities will encourage continuing development of each student’s academic maturity.
*LY070 - In this course, modifications to the above curriculum are made as dictated by students’ Individual Education Plans.

LY130 HONORS ENGLISH 12 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
Designed for students who have demonstrated a love of reading, superior language skills and mature work habits, this course focuses on advanced reading and writing skills through a survey of English literature. Writing emphasis is on longer and more sophisticated expository writing projects, from the college essay to the research paper. Short critical papers, project-based learning, and independent reading assignments are required, as are both individual and group presentations.
Prerequisite: B+ or better average in subject area from previous year and teacher recommendation

LY132/*LY071 ENGLISH 12 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
English 12 provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the language and communication skills already developed in previous classes. Writing skills will continue to be developed through various types of writing ranging from responses to literature to persuasive and descriptive essays. Students will study short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction, epics, legends, myths and novels.
*LY072 - In this course, modifications to the above curriculum are made as dictated by students’ Individual Education Plans.

LY 136 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 11
AP English Language and Composition develops students' abilities as independent readers and writers by giving them a college-level course during their junior year. Students who successfully complete the examination in May, may well qualify for up to one year's credit in English at the college level. The purpose of the course is to increase comprehension of complex tests in American literature through an in-depth study of the structure and manipulation of language. Students will also practice writing effective expository, analytical, and argumentative pieces in a mature style. This intellectually challenging course includes extensive reading and writing. Students in this college-level course should expect demands to be made on their time. Students who sign up for AP Language and Composition are required to take the AP exam.

LY137 AP ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
AP English Literature and Composition Class develop students' abilities as independent readers and writers by giving them a college-level course during their senior year. Students, who successfully complete the examination in May, may qualify for up to one year's credit in English at the college level. The purpose of the course is to improve students' literacy analysis skills through an in-depth study of world literature, with an emphasis on British literature. Advanced Placement English is both demanding and intellectually stimulating. It requires a student's best effort consistently and puts emphasis upon developing independence of thought and mature habits of critical thinking. Classroom discussion and active participation are vital. Written assignments, both short and long-term, will be an important and frequent feature of the course. Students who sign up for AP English are required to take the AP exam